Text : Cristina Eghenter, Photos : Borneo Ecotourism
Long Jelet is a very small village in the upper part of the Pujungan River, the last outpost before a wide stretch of now unihabited forests, and the mountain range that separates the Pujungan area from the Apo Kayan.
There is a special and friendly atmosphere in this village which is the gate to magnificent jungle and historical sites (cave burials) in the interior of Borneo.
Traditional ways of life are still practiced : swidden rice agriculture, collecting forest products, fishing and hunting with traditional tools, cooperative work, the celebration of New Year festival when the music of the traditional Kenyah guitar fills the air and hornbill dances are featured for the enjoyment of local people and guests.
The local ecotourism committee has surveyed various treks to majestic waterfalls and peaks in the area. Accommodation is in the houses of local people. Facilities are modest but adequate, and the experience unforgettable.
Contact
Laing Jalung (Mr)
c/o WWF Kayan Mentarang National Park,
Jalan Gunung Belah 188, Tarakan
Kalimantan Timur, Indonesia
Tel. : 62 551 34010 (LSM Tana Tam) OR
62 551 21723 (WWF KMNP)
Fax : 62 551 21507 (WWF KMNP)
Emaill : awing@samarinda.org (WWF KMNP)
Internet : www.borneo-ecotourism.com
Langue : Indonesian or English
Other contacts
LSM Tana Tam or WWF KMNP for information on boats from Tanjung Selor to Long Pujungan. The access is by river from the town of Tanjung Selor to Long Pujungan. From Long Pujungan, tourists can rent a motorized canoe and reach Long Jelet in 3-4 hours through several rapids. Fees have already been set by the local Ecotourism Committee. Please see the web-site for further details.